Tape dispenser and method and system for application and severance of two-part tape

Abstract

A device is disclosed for taping surfaces, particularly for taping containers, such as cartons and boxes, and other enclosures to be sealed, such as bags, for which seal tape is desired. Also disclosed are a method and system for applying tape, severing tape, and adding these features to existing hand-held, assembly-line, and other automatic taping devices. In particular, the method and system is directed to applying a strip to an adhesive side of a tape at the point that the tape is applied to a container or other item being taped, in a manner that allows easy opening of a container sealed by the tape by pulling the strip. This method and system obviates the need for use of a cutting device to open a taped container, which protects both the surface and the contents of any containers taped and the user. The tape dispenser includes a two-dimensional cutting device to both cut the two-part tape apart and to insert cuts of the adhesive tape at opposite sides of the plastic strip, so as to facilitate opening of the container seal by splitting the tape in half upon pulling the plastic strip.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for taping surfaces using a hand-held tape dispenser for dispensing a combination tape and tape severing strip, said method comprising the steps of: dispensing a tape having an adhesive side from a supply of said tape in said hand-held dispenser;   dispensing a tape severing strip from a supply of said strip in said hand-held tape dispenser;   automatically applying said strip to said adhesive side of said tape in said dispenser to form a continuous length of said combination tape and tape severing strip as said combination tape and tape severing strip is applied to a surface to be taped by a user with said handheld dispenser; and   cutting a length of said combination tape and strip from said continuous length thereof with a cutting tool of said hand-held tape dispenser such that a cut end is formed to be applied to said surface and a cut end is formed to remain in said dispenser while simultaneously slitting said tape of said combination adjacent and parallel to and on both sides of said applied strip at said cut end to be applied to said surface and at said cut end to remain in said dispenser.   
     
     
       2. A method of installing a tape peeling strip device to a hand-held tape applicator having a handle, a body, and a cutter, comprising the steps of: removing said cutter;   replacing said cutter with a combination cutting and slitting tool for cutting the tape and said tape peeling strip such that a cut end is formed to be applied to a surface and a cut end is formed to remain in said applicator and for slitting said tape adjacent and parallel to and on both sides of said applied tape peeling strip at said cut end to be applied to said surface and at said cut end to remain in said applicator;   detaching said handle;   inserting a strip cartridge holder, for holding and dispensing said tape peeling strip, with bracket attachment between said handle and said body; and   reattaching said handle such that said strip cartridge holder bracket is held between said handle and said body.   
     
     
       3. A hand-held tape dispenser for applying a tape severing strip to an adhesive side of a tape to form a combination tape and tape severing strip and applying said combination tape and tape severing strip to a surface with said dispenser, said dispenser comprising: a first dispensing means attached to a frame for dispensing a tape having an adhesive side for application to said surface;   a second dispensing means attached to said frame for dispensing a tape severing strip for application to said adhesive side of said tape;   applying means for applying said tape severing strip to said adhesive side of said tape to form said combination tape and tape severing strip as a user applies said combination tape and tape severing strip to said surface by hand, using said dispenser;   cutting means attached to said frame for cutting said tape and said strip of said combination tape and tape severing strip such that a cut end is formed to be applied to said surface and a cut end is formed to remain in said dispenser;   slitting means attached to a frame for automatically slitting said tape adjacent and parallel to and on both sides of said applied strip at said cut end to be applied to said surface and at said cut end to remain in said dispenser; and   wherein said frame comprises a handle for hand-held use.   
     
     
       4. A tape dispenser according to claim 3, wherein said applied strip is centrally disposed on said tape. 
     
     
       5. A tape dispenser according to claim 3, wherein said slits enable separating of said strip from said tape such that said tape is split. 
     
     
       6. A tape dispenser according to claim 3, wherein said strip is comprised of a plastic material. 
     
     
       7. A tape dispenser according to claim 3, wherein said first dispensing means is removable and replaceable. 
     
     
       8. A tape dispenser according to claim 3, wherein said second dispensing means is removable and replaceable. 
     
     
       9. A tape dispenser according to claim 3, wherein said second dispensing means comprises a cylindrical spool. 
     
     
       10. A tape dispenser according to claim 3, wherein said second dispensing means comprises a cartridge. 
     
     
       11. A tape dispenser according to claim 10, wherein said cartridge comprises said strip wound on an axial, cylindrical core enclosed within a cylindrical wall having an opening for presenting said strip. 
     
     
       12. A tape dispenser according to claim 3, wherein said cutting means comprises a serrated edge. 
     
     
       13. A tape dispenser according to claim 3 wherein said slitting means comprises cutting teeth disposed parallel to the direction of said first dispensing means and said second dispensing means. 
     
     
       14. A tape dispenser according to claim 3, wherein said cutting means and said slitting means are disposed in opposing relationship to one another.